Stress Management

Natural Remedies for Immunity

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Sulfur-bearing antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and taurine and vitamin C elevate levels of glutathione (a natural antioxidant within the body).

Alpha-lipoic acid assists in the production of energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic acid also stimulates immunity and inhibits replication of HIV.

The body synthesizes its own alpha-lipoic acid for use in energy production. However, it makes only trace amounts of alpha-lipoic acid with none to spare.

As an antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid normally helps the body recycle other antioxidants, including vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione. For alpha-lipoic acid to serve as a super-antioxidant, scientists believe that we need plenty of ALA. This can only be accomplished with supplementation. Alpha-lipoic acid also prevents free radical damage from diabetic nerve damage, cataracts, and the brain, where free radicals contribute to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Alpha-lipoic acid reinforces our defenses against infections in several ways:

• ALA helps the body clean up the excess free radicals (antioxidant action)

• ALA boosts glutathione levels in T cells, thus helping the body fight infections. For example, glutathione slows HIV replication.

• ALA prevents NF-kappa B (a specific protein in DNA) from activating HIV.

Dosage Recommendations

Alpha lipoic acid may be taken in doses ranging from 50-500 mg.